Lil' Wayne may face charges after event at Morgan State

October 21, 2006|By Annie Linskey | Annie Linskey,sun reporter

Morgan State University's campus police said yesterday they are considering whether to pursue criminal charges against the hip-hop artist Lil' Wayne after three young women were hurt in a fracas after money was thrown into a crowd in a performance Thursday night.

"We're evaluating it from a public safety standpoint and a criminal standpoint," said university police Chief Adrian Wiggins.

Two of the women, both age 20, suffered leg injuries and were taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital. One was identified by school officials as Carlisa Dixon, a junior at the university. The third refused medical treatment. A fourth woman fainted. Other names were not immediately released.

University officials said the artist would not be invited back to campus.

"It was as dangerous a thing to do as standing in a crowded movie theater and shouting fire," said Clinton R. Coleman, a spokesman for Morgan State. "It is something we regret that he did. We regret the injuries that were caused. And we're happy that most of the people in the crowd acted responsibly."

Coleman said most of the cash were $1 bills, but there were some $5, $10 and $20 bills.

The concert at the university's Hill Field House, which holds about 4,000 people, also featured Busta Rhymes and was sold out. Students paid $25 to $30 to attend. Coleman said he had tickets but did not go.

Vickie Charles, Lil' Wayne's publicist at Universal Music Group, did not reply to messages yesterday.

The incident occurred about 10 p.m. Thursday during a concert to kick off homecoming weekend. It was not clear if 'Lil Wayne, or a member of his entourage flung the bills into the crowd, Wiggins said.

Lil' Wayne's legal name is Dwayne Michael Carter. He's from New Orleans and this year released an album titled Tha Carter II. He is known as one of the few Southern rap artists who compose thoughtful lyrics. Recently he was nominated for three BET music awards.

In mid-August, the rapper was arrested on drug possession charges in Atlanta.